Drug Addiction Options: Taking the First Steps

Posted on : April 6th, 2016 |
By : towardsrecovery

One of the most difficult things to do with a drug addiction is get treatment. Many drug addicts do not recognize that they have a problem because they are so caught up in their addiction. The vicious circle of addiction leads them to believe they are just fine. The change that is involved in getting help is a difficult task for addicts to consider.

The First Step

The decision to get help is the first step. Anytime that change is involved, people can get stressed. But, people who have the stress of drug addiction in their lives can experience even more stress. Before addicts make up their minds to get help, there are several considerations to make. Recovery takes serious commitment.

Understanding the Change Will Happen

Addicts and their family members need to recognize the major changes that will happen with sobriety. The changes will affect social lives and what addicts do in their spare time. They will also need to learn how to manage the stress that comes with saying no to drugs. Addicts will also have to rethink who they are and who they want to be when they actually stop taking drugs.

This can be a challenge for anyone, let alone for someone who has to make their decisions while battling addiction. Fortunately, there have been plenty of addicts who have fought through addiction and there will be plenty more to come. Those who have fought their addictions and recovered have left behind numerous tips.

Pay Attention to the Addiction

The first tip that addicts need to do is pay attention to their addiction. Before they can fight their addictions, they need to know what it consists of, so tracking how much they use is vital. Along with how much they use, they need to look at when they use. This will give addicts and their counselors the data they need to see if the addicts have actually recovered. It allows the addicts to really see how much drugs affect their lives.

Look at the Pros and Cons

It is also important for addicts to look at the pros and cons that come with quitting and staying on drugs. It can be helpful to work with loved ones to build the lists. The list should consider costs, time, emotions, careers, and everything that is affected by using and ending use of drugs. Along with this list, addicts should also look at the important things in life. For most addicts, the realization that drugs have taken over the top spot is shocking. So asking this question can be eye-opening. When they see that their families, careers, and joy is replaced with drugs, they begin to see that they need to get help.

Look at Top Focus in Life

Once addicts recognize that they have misplaced their focus onto drugs, they are often ready to talk to someone. The best choice is someone the addict trusts. This person will be open-minded to the discussion and comfortable enough to tell the truth. The next step is to talk about change and what could be used to create successful change. They can also discuss what possible roadblocks could occur.

If you have any questions about the steps towards recovery, the counselors at Towards Recovery are available to help. Reach out to us at 905-527-2042. Our counselors specialize in helping everyone suffering from addictions to heroin and other opioids. We assess the problem and work hard to help addicts recover successfully. Our treatment programs include intervention in an addict’s lifestyle while adding a psycho-social and pharmacological program individualized to meet each addict’s needs.